Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been in office since January 2009 as head of the ruling Awami League party. In that period Bangladesh has experienced record-breaking annual growth in gross domestic product, which has risen from 5.04% in 2009 to 7.86% in the financial year to June 30, 2018, as well as severe challenges ranging from natural disasters to terrorism.
Her policies and government face a crucial test on Dec. 30, when Bangladesh goes to the polls. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the last elections in 2014, but is participating this time. If re-elected, Hasina will secure her fourth term as prime minister.
